HUNTINGTON, W.Va. - Marshall University head tennis coach John Mercer announced today the signing of a National Letter of Intent by Karlyn Timko of Houston, Pa., Dominika Zaprazna and Ester Dorova both of Bratislava, Slovakia Republic.

Timko, a 5-foot-7 inch, right-handed player from Chartiers-Houston High School, is rated as the nation's No. 154, Middle Atlantic No. 13, and Pennsylvania's No. 2 senior prospect, according to Tennis Recruiting Network. She will come to Marshall as a red-shirted freshman who was also recruited by West Virginia University, Pittsburgh, and Duquesne.

"Karlyn is a great athlete who had success this past summer," Mercer said. "We have very high expectations for her."

Karlyn's father was a former West Virginia University quarterback, and she is the niece of Olympic medalist Mary Lou Retton. Her high school resume includes a section championship, WPIAL Qualifier and Athlete of the Week during her freshman year. As a junior, Timko held a 25-1 singles record, was a Section Champion, WPIAL Qualifier, Section Doubles Champion, WPIAL Doubles Champion, PIAA (State) Champion, and Athlete of the Week.

The Thundering Herd also welcomes Zaprazna and Dorova to the line-up. Zaprazna is a 5-foot-7 inch, left-handed player who is very intense about her tennis.

"Zaprazna is a very talented leftie," Mercer continued.

Dorova is a 5-foot-11 inch, very talented right-handed player.

"Ester will be a great addition to our program," Mercer said.

Coaches of both Zaprazna and Dorova have other top-players being recruited to top-Division 1 schools.

"We are excited for both Zaprazna and Dorova to come to Marshall and they each have impressive recommendations from their coaches." Mercer added. "They both will be immediate impact players for our program."

Kara Kucin of Belleair, Fla., Timko, Zaprazna and Dorova conclude Mercer's eighth recruiting class as head coach of the Herd.